Microsoft just loves nipping at Apples heels. First Apple’s iTunes offers music of course, which was then followed by TV and movie downloads thanks to some hollywood studio executive arm twisting by Steve Jobs.
Microsoft, never to be outdone by Apple, released its iPod killer, the Zune, recently which too offers music downloads ala its URGE music download service.
Now Microsoft has its sights set on TV and movie downloads as well using its Xbox Live video game service as the conduit.
Xbox Live currently allows users to to download movie trailers and game demos but beginning November 22nd they will be able to download much more.
It has completed deals with CBS, Warner Brothers, MTV, Paramount Pictures, Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC), and Turner’s Cartoon Network to offer over 750 hours of 
content at launch, with the number to rise to 1,000 hours by years end.
Pricing is as yet unclear, but some of the content is expected to be offered in HD(high-definition) format. CBS will offer episodes of CSI, NCIS, and Numbers in this format.
Warner Brothers will offer titles to include include V for Vendetta, The Perfect Storm, and Superman Returns.
The only drawback is that its similar to TV’s On-Demand model, where once users begin viewing the material they have just 24 hours to keep it.
In addition, it’s said that movies may be close to 4GB in size, unlike the average 1.5GB size on Apple’s iTunes. This means that even with a cable broadband connection.it may take up to 7 hours to download a movie. Will anybody really want to wait that long for a single movie?
The service is available only for the Xbox360 console, of which there are some 4 million who currently subscribe to the Xbox Live service.
How many users end up actually downloading material remains to be seen, with price and selection being the biggest questions yet to be answered. But, considering Microsoft’s ever deep pockets they may just have enough money to throw at it to make the service a success.
SOULXTC: “walkin’ the streets of P2P”
http://www.twice.com/article/CA6388494.html
true……
But heres the thing soulxtc it still does use up a significant amount of bandwidth which will slow down the service for others (if its cable) its also using their bandwith to compete against their services so they will probably be pissed about that. It would be like direct tv offering on demand through a comcast internet service.
Dont think so they only seem to trip on UL usage not the DL but that may be beacuse of pressure from the RIAA and MPAA anyways….
I wonder if isp’s will be pissed off with this service?
Why not just connect your xbox to your PC and stream everything you want!
especially if u consider that you only get to watch it once whats the point when can DL it for free using BT or other file-sharing networks. If they’re savvy enough to use Xbox live and have broadband the most likely theyre also savvy enough to get it for “zeropaid” (ha ha)…..
Think about it what is the average age of the users on Xbox live? Out of all those users how many will pay to watch Family Guy?
Or perhaps have a deal with Coke and give away free downloads under the cap similar to what Pepsi and iTunes did.
I would like to see them offer free downloads which hook into cost per download files. I would not pay 1.99 for a simpsons or south park episode. I think this would be more sucessful if they offer free downloads right away and get me hooked then start charging me. Or rather a subscription service that might work better.